Respect the Dialect: Advocating for African American English in Education

Dr. Dionna Latimer Hearn discussed African American English (AAE) as a rule-governed language and how it intersects with educational equity. The course explored what it means to respect dialects other than Standard American English and offered a roadmap for unlearning deficit-based frameworks. Participants were given resources to embrace culturally and linguistically affirming practices.

Explore Conversation

The episode explores how Black students who have communication differences face layered challenges due to racism, linguistic bias, and ableism. Dr. Hearn calls on SLPs and educators to advocate within systems and collaborate with families and communities.

Define African American English (AAE) and describe its linguistic features as a rule-governed dialect, not a deficit.
Recognize the impact of deficit thinking on AAE-speaking students and describe how to shift toward strengths-based, affirming practices.
Identify culturally sustaining assessment practices that reduce bias in identifying and supporting AAE speakers.
Apply principles of linguistic justice to therapeutic and educational decision-making, especially when serving Black students.

Understand intersectionality and how race, language, and disability status interact in educational systems.

Guests

Dionna Latimer-Hearn
Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Dionna Latimer-Hearn, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, is an award-winning scholar, consultant, and founder of REACT Initiative, Inc. Her work centers African American English and educational equity. With 20+ years of global experience, she empowers educators to unlearn deficit thinking and uplift culturally and linguistically diverse students.

Learning Objectives

Define African American English (AAE) and describe its linguistic features as a rule-governed dialect, not a deficit.
Discuss the impact of deficit thinking on AAE-speaking students and describe how to shift toward strengths-based, affirming practices.
Identify culturally sustaining assessment practices that reduce bias in identifying and supporting AAE speakers.

Agenda

5 minutes	Welcome + Guest Introduction
10 minutes	Defining AAE and its linguistic structure
10 minutes	Cultural identity, misdiagnosis, and systemic bias
10 minutes	Culturally responsive therapy and assessment
10 minutes	Respect the Dialect platform + advocacy strategies
15 minutes	Final reflections and tools for action

Disclosures

Financial Disclosures:	Dr.Hearn owns and operates the platform Respect the Dialect which is discussed during this presentation. Dr. Latimer- Hearn and Shontaye have no additional financial relationships to disclose.
Non-Financial Disclosures:	Shontaye and Dr. Hearn have no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
Content Disclosures:	Shontaye and Dr. Hearn have no additional content information to disclose.

ASHA

This course is offered for .1 ASHA CEUs, Introductory Level, Professional Area